Meet Candace Crowder-Peaks

Posted on October 7th, 2023

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Candace Crowder-Peaks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Candace below.

Hi Candace , thanks for joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

About 10 years ago when I was every early in the Esthetician and spa business I went on a group job interview to work at the brand new Day Spa in the heart of Hollywood CA. I was very nervous and excited all at the same time. When I got to the spa the layout was beautiful and I was greeted by 3 lovely women spa owners. Once I saw 3 women running the a business in a very busy area of Los Angeles I knew I wanted to be a part of the team no matter what, but 1st I had to get through this group interview. So everyone sat down, introduced themselves and talked about their experiences. There were individuals there that had personalities that were very loud and different from mine and I was very worried that I would be over shadowed. After the interview I didn’t feel great about my chances but I still went home emailed the spa and thank them for the opportunity and ask to be interviewed alone so I could have a chance to shine. One of the owners, Inez Laval, emailed me back and explained that she was glad I reached out and that she had advocated for me for a second interview because I was prepared and professional. I went back and blew them away and I was hired. Then the real love and learning began. Inez took me under her wing, taught me as much as she could about spa business, waxing, branding myself, gaining clientele, and becoming a boss. She never let me get comfortable in my role at the spa or in my profession. She signed me up for classes to learn more and really how to become a master at my craft. Years later when I felt ready to open my own salon suite, Inez was right there to help me with the business side and the personal aspect of leveling up to be a spa owner. She’s just an amazing leader and now a dear friend!

Candace , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been in the skincare industry for 13 years. My career began in Southern California in 2010 when I wanted to find a balance between my passion for make-up and my fondness for education. Quickly into my Esthetics school days, I realized that skincare health and proper waxing technique was where my heart fluttered. I felt that I was needed in the Skincare industry in my area of waxing and facials because I didn’t know anyone doing this work, so I knew my family and friends didn’t know anyone either.

About 7 years ago I knew I was ready to break out on my own and I created Great Skin by Candace. Great Skin by Candace was a physical location but also an introduction for a spa novice to come get services and also get educated on “Spa” as a lifestyle.

Fast forward in February 2022, I was blessed to open my second physical location Oak City Skin & Wax with my business partner and fellow Esthetician Whitney Adams. We focus on creating a spa experience for the everyday person and the most painless waxing experience possible. I go out of my way to explain the process and benefits of facials and waxing that I think is over looked in traditional spas that expect you to already be knowledgeable about the spa culture.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner and I met at work. She was in the hiring process and I was the trainer for the business. She showed a lot of skill and she was very responsive to my training. We quickly gained a mutual respect for each other because we were the most talented employees in the building so we started to have lunch together and talk about what we saw for our short term and long term goals in business. Once we discovered we had a lot of the same ideas and visions for going out on our own we quickly realized that we should start a business together. We have been working well together ever since.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe the two things that have really helped my reputation in the spa industry is my ability to make a client feel comfortable very quickly and my skill to provide a thorough and painless experience.

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